Tips To Choose the Best Form of a Capsule

Capsules definitely have more benefits than solid drugs and it too can be formulated in capsules. These capsules are generally made of a different form of materials. It is very important while choosing a capsule, you must keep in mind some factors such as the shell of the capsule must act as a barrier from oxygen or water.

 Selecting a type of capsule

There is different form or type of capsules advised by the doctors. Generally, the dry-filled capsules are generally either made of hard gelatin, hard hydroxypropyl methylcellulose or hypromellose which knew as HPMC capsules. On the other hand, liquid-filled capsules are made of soft gelatin material. The weight of the capsule depends on the material which is filled in the capsule which generally ranges from 0.3-1.5g/cc. The smallest capsule weighs around 39mg whereas the largest may weigh up to 1425mg.  Generally, the shell of any hard gelatin capsule contains around 16% of water. It is advisable not to keep the capsules at a low humidity because it can lead the capsule to brittle. It is found that Gelatin capsules can’t protect the hygroscopic materials that derive from the atmosphere through vapour because gelatin has the power to diffuse moisture with the help of a gelatin wall.  If the capsules are stored at high humidity, it turns flaccid.

Details of the major type of capsules

• Hard-gelatin capsules - The gelatin which is used in making such capsules generally obtained from several collagenous materials. Gelatin is basically safe, non-allergic, clean ingredients which will definitely not harm anyone. The two-piece capsule is available in various sizes starting from largest to the smallest and its ranges from 000, 000el, to 5 to be specific.
• HPMC Capsules – These capsules actually stay stable at lower humidity levels, even consists of low moisture also.  The charge of these capsules is also static. These capsules can lead up to size 4. These capsules considered suitable for reactive molecules.  If we compare the capsules with hard gelatin, then you can find that HPMC is more apt for moisture related products. Also, the origin of the capsule is not from any animal base so you won’t have a chance to get contamination from such capsules.  You will find these capsules in various OSD pharmacies, dietary supplements, any kind of herbal products as it consists of vegan materials.
• Fish gelatin capsules - Marinecaps are generally made from fish gelatin so it won’t let you a risk of TSE. It's preferred that the capsules must be filled with marine complements like fish oil.
• Starch capsules - These capsules are made generally from the starch of potatoes.  They are appropriate for any kind of enteric coating and its pH level is also completely independent. Generally, the moisture contains ranges between 12-13% or sometimes more.
• Pullulan capsules - These capsules are also vegan capsules made with the material of tapioca and it’s a good barrier to oxygen.
• PVA capsules or Polyvinyl capsules- This capsule can be used for pouring insoluble drugs and cannot be mixed with hard capsules.